MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings clinch record-equalling fifth IPL title

In what can be considered one of the most thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) finals, Ravindra Jadeja led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fifth title. With 10 runs needed off the last two balls in the IPL 2023 final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, Jadeja hit a six and a four to secure a five-wicket victory (DLS Method) over defending champions Gujarat Titans.

Read More: MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings clinch record-equalling fifth IPL title

CSK’s successful chase of 171 runs from 15 overs was supported by impressive performances from Devon Conway (47 off 25), Ruturaj Gaikwad (26 off 16), Shivam Dube (32* off 21), Ajinkya Rahane (27 off 13), and Ambati Rayudu (19 off 8). The rain-shortened final also saw Sai Sudharsan’s outstanding innings of 96 off 47 balls. He was supported by contributions from Wriddhiman Saha (54 off 39) and Shubman Gill (39 off 20). After 20 overs, Gujarat Titans set a formidable total of 214/4 in the IPL 2023 final before rain interruption.

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway got off to a strong start for CSK, with Gaikwad hitting a four off the third ball of the innings. However, rain interrupted play, and the match was reduced to 15 overs. CSK were given a revised target of 171 runs. As play resumed, Gaikwad continued to score boundaries, and Conway displayed aggressive batting, taking CSK to 52/0 at the end of the four-over Powerplay.

Read More: Gill smashes third IPL 2023 century to see Gujarat Titans through to final

CSK’s momentum was temporarily halted when Noor Ahmad claimed two crucial wickets in quick succession, dismissing Gaikwad and Conway. Ajinkya Rahane provided a quick boost with two sixes, but Noor Ahmad’s impressive bowling restricted CSK’s progress. Rahane’s boundaries off Rashid Khan brought the required runs down to 60 off 30 balls in the IPL 2023 final.

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In the 11th over, Mohit Sharma struck by dismissing Rahane, followed by an economical over that increased the pressure on CSK. However, Shivam Dube regained the momentum with two consecutive sixes in the 12th over. Ambati Rayudu joined in, hitting a six and a four in the 13th over. But Mohit Sharma fought back, taking two wickets in consecutive balls, including the crucial wicket of MS Dhoni.

With 21 runs needed off 12 balls, Mohammed Shami gave away eight in the penultimate over. In the final over, Mohit Sharma bowled four yorkers, conceding just three runs. However, Jadeja turned the tables with a six off the second-to-last ball. Hen then sealed the IPL 2023 final victory with a four off a low full toss.

Read More: Dhoni’s CSK dismantle Gujarat Titans to reach IPL 2023 final

Earlier, CSK won the toss and elected to bowl first. They made one change to their lineup, with Matheesha Pathirana replacing Shivam Dube. Chennai Super Kings started well, bowling accurately, but missed a chance to dismiss Shubman Gill early. Wriddhiman Saha and Gill capitalised on the opportunity, scoring boundaries and building a solid opening partnership. Gill’s dismissal by Ravindra Jadeja brought CSK back into the game. Thereafter, the Super Kings tightened their bowling and restricted the Titans’ scoring rate in the Indian Premier League 2023 final.

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Sai Sudharsan played a crucial innings, smashing boundaries to reach his fifty off 36 balls. Despite Saha getting out, Sudharsan continued to hit sixes and fours. He fell four runs short of a century in the final over. In the end, Gujarat Titans finished their Indian Premier League 2023 final innings at 214/4 in 20 overs.

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